THE IBEX. 65

the most tremendous precipices without
fear, besides much strength, vigilance,
and activity. Sometimes, when hard-
pressed, the Ibex will turn on the pur-
suer and tumble him down the precipice.
They always strive to gain the summit
of the mountain when alarmed. Their
voice is a sharp and short whistle, like
that of the chamois. The Ibex is said to
throw itself down steep precipices, and
fall on its large horns, and thus escape
injury. The young are defended with
great courage by their parent.